Genetic Algorithms in Structural Identification and Damage Detection

Abstract

Genetic algorithms (GA) have proved to be a robust, efficient search technique for many problems. In this chapter, the latest developments by the authors in the area of structural identification and structural damage detection using genetic algorithms are presented. A GA strategy involving a search space reduction method (SSRM) using a modified genetic algorithm based on migration and artificial selection (MGAMAS) is first used to identify structural properties in multiple degree-of-freedom systems. The SSRM is then incorporated in a structural damage detection strategy using response measurements both before and after damage has taken place. Numerical studies on 10 and 20 degree-of-freedom systems show that a small damage of only 2.5% can be accurately and consistently identified from incomplete acceleration measurements in the presence of 5% input and output noise.